City code
board meets
The Okeechobee City Code
Enforcement Board will meet
on Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
Items on the agenda include
a disabled vehicle and gen-
eral cleaning needed at a SW
Ninth Street property; general
cleaning needed as a NE 10th
Street property; general clean-
ing needed at a NW Park Street
property; and, a request for a
ind reduction on a S. Parrott
Avenue property.

Hospice has annual
Festival of Trees
Hospice of Okeechobee's
Annual Festival of Trees is un-
der way in the blue volunteer
building next to the Hamrick
House on SE Fourth Street. The
event will run through Sunday,
Dec. 7. For more information,
call Cathy at 863-467-2321.

City Hall Park
to host Santa
Santa will be at City Hall
Dec. 9, 10, 11, 15, and 16 from
6 to 8 p.m. Stop by for a picture
with Santa!

Christmas window
contest open
Okeechobee Main Street
has announced their Third An-
nual Christmas Window Deco-
rating Contest. Judging will be
on Dec. 13. The winner will
receive a plaque. For informa
tion please contact Okeecho-
bee Main Street 863-357-MAIN
(6246).

Annual Christmas
boat parade planned
The Okeechobee Yatchette
Club and Butches Redneck
Yatch Club will hold their an-
nual Christmas boat parade on
Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. The public is
welcome. Decorate your boats
and meet on Taylor Creek at
Hwy 70 by Burger King between
5 and 5:30 p.m. The parade be-
gins at 6 p.m. and goes down
aylor Creek to the rim canal
and left to the VFW or Butches
Fish Camp. There will be a $25
prize for the best decorated
oat. For information call Jeff
Jones at 863-634-2321 or Arnie
Whepley at 863-634-4777.

By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
Officials with the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers and the South
Florida Water Management Dis-
trict both agree, 2008 was a great
year for Lake Okeechobee and
environmental enhancement
projects.
The County Coalition for Re-
sponsible Management of Lake

update encouraging

Okeechobee, the St. Lucie and
Caloosahatchee Estuaries, and
the Lake Worth Lagoon heard
from the heads of those two
agencies Friday during their an
nual policy meeting at Okeecho-
bee's Shrine Club.
Carol Wehle, Executive Direc-
tor of the South Florida Water
Management District gave an up-
date on work done during 2008.
Weather challenges, restoration
opportunities, and the drought,
were three of the main obstacles
this year.

Ms. Wehle said the agency
had to respond to a water short-
age and a flood in the same year.
They initiated water restrictions
which for the most part were
very well received.
"Water is more at the fore-
front of the public now than it
was before, that's a positive,"
she noted.
Ms. Wehle said they contin-
ued to improve the health of
Lake Okeechobee with removal
of invasive plants, additional tree
planting, the removal of 5,000

Enjoying the holidays: Christmas in the Country

New tradition:

Country Christmas
Okeechobee County officials and residents
gathered at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic
Center on Thursday evening for "A Coun-
try Christmas," which county officials hope
to make an annual event. Double M Feed
took visitors on a hay ride (above). Pony
rides, courtesy of Cock-A-Doodle Doo Pet-
ting Zoo, were popular with the little ones,
including 11-month-old Bryle Betts (left).
Children also enjoyed all the petting zoo
animals. Ariel Eason, 7, (below) loved
the bunnies. The kids also enjoyed two
"bounce houses" (below left) as mounted
members of sheriff's kept a watchful eye
on the crowd.

discarded tires (50 tons) in the
Lake, cultivated apple snails in
new trees to provide snail kites
with food, and treated torpedo
grass.
"We don't necessarily want
Lake Okeechobee to be nine
feet, but if that's what Mother
Nature provides, we try to make
a positive difference," she said.
Tropical Storm Fay was the
biggest storm of the year. It pro
vided a good drill for the Districts
Emergency Preparedness. Some
areas of the district saw up to 15

inches of rain. Lake Okeechobee
raised their level to close to 15.5
feet. The levels of the Lake have
declined since then and the fore
cast for the dry season in 2009 is
less rainfall than normal.
Another big project this year
is the state's purchase of U.S.
Sugar. Ms. Wehle said a lot of
work has been done since June
30. She noted they have received
a tremendous amount of input
from the public on this purchase.
Governing Board meetings are
See Lake Page 2

State budget

woes could delay

SR 70 expansion

By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
Frank Meares of the Florida
Department of Transportation
brought sobering news that
Okeechobee County Commis-
sioners were expecting Thurs-
day. Revenues are down in state
government, and thus money
for highway projects could be
severely cut.
How this affects local proj-
ects is still unknown. State
Road 70 has been the county's
top priority over the past de-
cade. Walker said the section
from Berman Road to St. Lucie
County is scheduled to begin
construction in February, 2009.
He also reported that the sec-
tion from N.E. 34th Avenue to

NE 80th Avenue is also in the
works. Nearly $62 million is
included in the five year plan.
Construction is scheduled for
2012-2013.
Deputy County Administra-
tor Jim Threewits said there are
no construction dollars funded
for the section between NE
80th and Berman Road. There
is more than $12 million spent
for right of way acquisitions be
tween 2010 and 2012.
Mr. Meares said they will
save dollars where they can
on the project. They saved $12
million by using existing lanes
at times for pavement, elimi-
nating an eight foot wide bike
path, and by not replacing all
See SR 70 Page 2

Health and Safety

Expo is planned

By Chauna Aguilar
Okeechobee News
The Okeechobee County
Health Department, Shared
Services Network of Okeecho-
bee, Okeechobee County Fire
Rescue and the Children's
Services Council are coming
together once again with all
the local agencies and vendors
to put on the second annual
Okeechobee Family Health and
Safety Expo.
The Health and Safety Expo
will be held at the Okeechobee
Agri-Civic Center, 4200 S.R. 70
E, on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 9

a.m. until 2 p.m.
The Okeechobee County
Commission is covering the
cost of the Agri-Civic Center for
this event.
Last year yielded over 1,300
participants which received in-
formation and give-aways from
80 vendors and many volun-
teers.
The expo is organized to be
a fun, educational day for those
who attend, young and old. The
event will have booths aimed at
many different age groups from
the children to senior citizens.
See Expo Page 11

Local ranch wins world championship

By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
O.L. "Buck" Daniel has
pulled in a lot of champion-
ships and belt buckles at his
Okeechobee ranch.
The longtime Okeechobee
rancher won three champion-
ships in November at the Amer-
ican Quarter Horse Association
World Championship Show in
Oklahoma City.
Mr. Daniel claimed the World
Champion Junior Tie-Down
Roping title with Mega Bucks
Boon, a 2003 Sorrel American
Quarter Horse Gelding during
the FedEx Open competition.
Mr. Daniel also earned a top
10 finish in Senior Tie Down

Roping with Garden Valley
Spirit, a 1998 Sorrel American
Quarter Horse Stallion, and a
top-10 finish in Senior Dally
Roping-Heading with Garden
Valley Spirit.
Mr. Daniel said he was real
proud of his accomplishments.
His horses have won numer-
ous championships in the past
three years. They also has set
records for money earnings on
the AQHA tour. He currently has
five horses who rank among
the best in the world.
"I grew up around horses.
We were really happy with
what we did in Oklahoma City,"
he said.
Mr. Daniel and his horse
trainer, Jason Hanchey, both

praise their horses for the
honors and awards they've
achieved.
Mr. Hanchey moved to
Okeechobee about four years
ago and built a partnership
with Mr. Daniel.
Mr. Daniel moved to
Okeechobee in 1964 and has
helped build a near 4,000 acre
ranch known as the Lake Cat-
tle Company. He has 500 rop-
ing and cutting horses on the
ranch, and all kinds of show
horses. All of these horses
were bred, foaled and trained
in Okeechobee. The ranch in-
cludes everything these horses
need to thrive and train.
See Rancher Page 11

planned on December 15-16th
to decide on the direction of this
purchase.
Wehle was asked about the
contamination present on U.S.
Sugar property. She noted the
district conducted an exhaustive
environmental study. The District
has required U.S. Sugar to spend
the money for the cleanup. U.S.
Sugar will pay the district 130 per-
cent of the estimated cost to do
the cleanup. She also defended
the appraisals on the property.
Martin County Commissioner
Sarah Heard said they must get
the price right because they are
using taxpayers' dollars and will
resell part of the property. She
noted they must get the taxpayers
money back. She said she wants
to see more restoration projects.
She noted Martin County gave
the District $27 million in taxpay-
er money and haven't seen any
projects.
Federal dollars earmarked for
stimulus projects could be used
for permit ready projects in Mar

SR 70
Continued From Page 1

three of the bridges. Instead they
will repair and renovate the bridg-
es. He said he will meet again
with Commissioners to explain
the modifications they've made
to the project.
County Administrator Lyndon
Bonner said he thinks the federal
government should provide fund-
ing for this project. He predicted
that would speed up the project
considerably.
Talk of a stimulus package that
involves infrastructure improve
ments around the nation could
provide additional funds to Flori-
da that could be targeted for main
thoroughfares like SR 70.
Commissioners did express
some concerns about the design
of the project that doesn't include
turn lanes at various roads.
Other projects in the work
plan include a modification of
the main intersection of SR 70
and U.S. 441. Over $3 million was
put in the five year work plan for

Correction
In the riday, Nov. 28 edition of
this newspaper, there was an er-
ror in the story headlined "OCRA
wraps up successful season." The
Coach of the New York Life Team

Newszap!
Online News & Information
Get the latest local news at
www newszapconm

tin and other counties.
Hendry County Commissioner
Kevin McCarthy said there is no
good plan for what they will use
the land for. He said more proj
ects need to be located north of
the lake to clean up the water in
the Lake. He noted money spent
in the lake should mean fewer
dollars spent south of the Lake.
"We've got to protect the estuar-
ies, but you do it with a plan. We
are doing this backward."
"We are all going to be sorry
down the road. The sugar indus-
try is going away anyway," he
added.
Palm Beach County Commis
sioner Jess Santamaria said he
was concerned about the loss of
jobs in the Glades due to the U.S.
Sugar purchase. He noted he has
not seen a plan to offset the loss
of jobs.
"I do hope there is a real se-
rious effort to look into this po-
tential problem. The people of
the Glades are already hungry
for jobs," he noted. He said un-
employment in the Glades and
Hendry County are close to 20
percent.
Commissioner Donna Storter
of Glades County agreed with

the next five years. Walker didn't
promise the money will be there
for construction in 2013-2014 but
he added that FDOT officials are
hopeful of having the dollars.
SR 710 is the subject of a plan-
ning study. A bypass from U.S. 441
to S.R. 710 is also being studied.
Meares said there will be public
hearings and workshops on this
project in the next few years.
The work plan also includes a
turn lane n U.S. 441 at S.E. 18th
Terrace, improvements at the
Okee- Tantie Recreation Area and
the Okeechobee County Airport.
Alice Gilmartin of the Florida
Turnpike Enterprise presented
plans for upgrades scheduled
at the Fort Drum Service Plaza.
Nearly $25 million is scheduled to
be spent by the end of 2012.
Ms. Gilmartin said the plaza is
one of the busiest plazas in their
system. They are in the process
of hiring a contractor to renovate
the service plazas. Plans include
a new 40,000 square foot restau
rant and a new 3,500 square foot
convenience store. She cautioned
that just because money is bud-
geted for 2012, that doesn't mean

was listed as Herry Hernandez.
This was in error. The coach's
name is Jerry Herndon. We regret
the error and any inconvenience
it may have caused.

To Start or Stop A Paper
Phone: [8001282-8586
E-mail: readerservices@newszap corn
The Okeechobee News is available
three times a week via home deliv-
ery and is on sale at rack and store
locations throughout Okeechobee
County. Call the office to find out if
your home is within our present
home-distribution boundaries.
Call 800-282-8586 to report a missed
newspaper or poor delivery.
Additional copies of the newspaper are
available for 50 cents Wednesday and
Friday and 75 cents for Sunday at the
office. Home delivery subscriptions are
available at $18.00 for three months
Okeechobee News
USPS 406-160
Published Sunday, Wednesday and
Friday by Independent Newspapers, Inc
107 S.W 17th Street, Suite D
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Periodicals Postage Paid at
Okeechobee, FL 34974
POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to Okeechobee News
Circulation Administration
PO Box 7011
Dover, DE 19903

Hendry County. She said they
need to be cautious with this pur-
chase. She also said she was dis-
appointed the Governor's office
and his staff have not provided a
plan for the economic impacts.
The District has also moved
ahead with more land purchases
to protect the Everglades and
provide more water storage. The
District purchased 22,607 acres in
2008 at a cost of $196 million.
The district also completed
designs for a C-43 reservoir, and
Lakeside Ranch near Okeecho-
bee. They completed the Chan-
dler Slough trailhead in Okeecho-
bee and installed equestrian and
hunter trailheads at Allapattah in
western Martin County.
The district also completed the
purchase of the Brady Ranch.
The district also construct-
ed a weir to protect the S-65 E
structure. It was completed two
weeks before Fay hit. Wehle said
if the work hadn't been done the
structure would have failed and
significant flooding would have
occurred in the Kissimmee Val-
ley.
Colonel Paul Grosskruger,
head of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers office in Jacksonville,

construction will begin then.
Commissioners held a pub-
lic hearing on a resolution that
authorizes the use of a uniform
method for collecting non ad va-
lorem assessments for such proj-
ects as drainage improvements,
EMS services and mosquito con-
trol. The county must hold a hear-
ing every year so they can keep
the option open for levying these
assessments. Commission Chair-
man Clif Betts said this does not
mean the Commission will adopt
these new fees in 2009.
City Councilman Dowling Wat
ford cautioned the Commission to
be very cautious if they consider
adoption of these new fees due to
the state of the economy.
Sean Moore of the Florida Gulf
Coast University Small Business
Development Center explained to
the Commission the services they
provide the community. They are
assisting Indian River State Col-
lege with the development of a
new program.
"Our job is to help business
owners that want to be in busi-
ness," he said.
The program is funded by the
Federal Small Business Adminis-
tration. There services are free.
They help to facilitate the business
development of the community.
"We don't want to step on
toes, we want to help Okeecho-
bee grow," he said.
Moore also hosts two hour
seminars to help business own-
ers. The seminar covers different
subjects every month.
The only service they provide
that has a cost is a 10 week class
that involves management of ru-
ral businesses. It teaches skills
to business operators that they
can use in improving their busi-
ness. They bring in guest speak-
ers, computer software experts,
real estate agents, attorneys, ac-

said his department continued to
work on Lake Okeechobee, the
Kissimmee River restoration and
the Herbert Hoover dike in 2008.
He said they have focused on
the worst sections of the dike first.
A 22-mile section between Port
Mayaca and Belle Glade is due to
be repaired. 11 miles of the dike
are under construction.
Colonel Grosskruger said the
new lake regulation schedule has
worked better and has helped
prevent damaging releases of
lake water into the estuaries.
The Department of Agricul-
tures Rich Budell said budget cuts
have impacted money available
for best management practices
for ranchers.
Dr. Paul Gray of the Audubon
Society urged the Coalition to
support more water storage proj-
ects north of Lake Okeechobee.
Lee County thanked the South
Florida Water Management Dis-
trict for their work on the Caloo-
sahatchee River protection plan.
Storter thanked the District
and the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection for
work done on the Pearce Canal
in Buckhead Ridge.

countants, and others that can
help them with their business. Mr.
Moore can be reached at 863-517-
0097.
In other business, the Com-
mission accepted a bond for con-
struction of a south bound right
turn lane to the Silver Palms RV
Village Development located at
U.S. 441 and S.W 32nd Street. A
512 lot recreational vehicle subdi-
vision is planned on 88 acres.
Commissioners also directed
staff to meet with Sylvester Butler
to discuss the O'Town HHRP af
fordable housing rental develop-
ment. The commission gave the
staff power to do whatever is nec-
essary to protect their position on
this project.
Mr. Bonner was directed to
contact the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers to see what kind of im-
provements they would allow in-
side the dike at Lock 7. Nine years
ago the Commission and State
funded a study on what facilities
could be developed there.
Chairman Betts said he would
like to see private developers take
over Lock 7 and develop busi-
nesses, restaurants, and other
facilities.
Commissioner Ray Domer
said he would not support the use
of tax payer dollars to improve
facilities there. He did support a
suggestion that the county ask
the Corps of Engineers to reim-
burse the county for maintenance
work they do there, like grading
the parking lot and mowing the
grass.
The Commission also ap-
proved the purchase of $62,500
in portable bleachers that can
be used at various venues in the
County. Commissioner Domer
said the County should not spend
the money because they can't af-
ford it.

Okeechobee Forecast

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. North northwest wind
between 5 and 10 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Calm wind becoming
north northeast around 5 mph.
Extended Forecast
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. North northeast wind
around 5 mph becoming east southeast.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. East south-
east wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. South southeast wind
between 5 and 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. South south-
east wind around 5 mph.

By Eric Kopp
Okeechobee News
An area man has been arrested
for his alleged connection in the
theft of jewelry from a 9-year-old
Okeechobee girl.
James Thomas Roberts, 29,
N.E. 31st Terrace, was arrested
Thursday on a felony charge of
burglary. He was also charged
with theft, a misdemeanor. Rob-
ertswas booked into the Okeecho-
bee County Jail, but bond had not
been set as of newspaper dead-
line since he had not been before

a judge for his
first-appearance
hearing.
He was also
arrested on a
warrant charg-
ing him with
resisting a law
enforcement
officer with vio- James T.
lence and anoth- Roberts
er warrant that charged him with
failure to appear assault on a law
enforcement officer.
In an arrest report by Deputy

Corporal Randy Thomas of the
Okeechobee County Sheriff's Of-
fice, Roberts was taken into cus-
tody after he allegedly entered a
home and took the jewelry from
a jewelry box in the girl's room
The report states that Roberts
had done yard work for the hom-
eowner in the past.
On Thursday, Dec. 4, the hom-
eowner allegedly found Roberts
hiding behind a dresser in the
young girl's bedroom.
Cpl. Thomas stated in his re-
port that the homeowner had not

hired Roberts to do any work that
day and that the man had no rea-
son to be in the house.
The homeowner reportedly
told the deputy that the young girl
had bought the jewelry box and
jewelry from a local thrift store.
In his report, Cpl. Thomas
stated that he found Roberts near
his home and that he was un-
steady on his feet and his speech
was slurred. The deputy went on
to state that he found the girl's
jewelry in the front pocket of the
man's jeans.

Woman accused of felony drug charges

By Eric Kopp
Okeechobee News
After being stopped for driv-
ing 40 mph in a 30 mph zone, an
Okeechobee woman was arrest-
ed on felony drug charges shortly
after midnight Dec. 5.
Lydia Lois Rosemann, 48,
N.W 176th Ave., was charged
with the felonies of possession
of methamphetamine and pos-
session of a controlled substance
(xanax). She was also charged
with the misdemeanor of posses-
sion of drug paraphernalia.

She was
booked into
the Okeecho-
bee County Jail
under a bond
of $11,000.
Rosemann
was arrested
early Dec. 5
by a detec- Lydia Lois
tive from the Rosemann
Okeechobee
Narcotics Task Force.
After receiving permission,
the detective began a search of
the 1993 Ford station wagon that

was driven by Rosemann. Inside
the car, the detective reportedly
found a clear plastic baggie that
contained a suspicious sub-
stance.
When field tested the sub-
stance indicated a positive result
for the presence of methamphet-
amine, stated the detective's ar-
rest report. The approximate
weight of the substance was .1
grams.
The woman was placed under
arrest and taken to the county jail
where her purse was searched.
That search found two pills in-

side an aspirin bottle that, when
checked, turned out to be xanax,
stated the detective's report.
Xanax is a schedule 4 narcot-
ic, the report added.
Besides the criminal charges,
the detective also issued Rose-
mann traffic citations for speed-
ing and for having an expired
license tag.
Rosemann is currently out
on bond following her arrest on
a misdemeanor charge of pos-
session of marijuana under 20
grams in October of this year,
stated the detective's report.

Okeechobee's Most Wanted

The follow-
ing five people
are among
Okeechobee's
Most Wanted
persons. There
are active war-
rants for each of
them. The crite- Rigoberto
ria for making Gama
Okeechobee's Chavez
Most Wanted
top five is based on the severity of
the crime in conjunction with the
age of the warrant.
If you have any information
on the whereabouts of any of
Okeechobee's Most Wanted you
can call the Treasure Coast Crime

Arrest Report
The following individuals were
arrested on felony or driving un-
der the influence (DUI) charges by
the Okeechobee County Sheriff's
Office (OCSO), the Okeechobee
City Police Department (OCPD),
the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP),
the Florida Fish and Wildlife Con-
servation Commission (FWC) or
the Department of Corrections
(DOC).
Chad Harold Wesley, 34,
N.W Broadview St., Port St. Luc-
ie, was arrested Dec. 4 by Deputy
Harold Hancock on a Department
of Corrections warrant charging
him with violation of probation -
possession of cocaine. He is be-

Stoppers at 1 (800) 273-TIPS
(8477). If you call Treasure Coast
Crimes Stoppers, you have the op-
tion of remaining anonymous. You
can also receive a reward if the in-
formation results in an arrest.
Rigoberto Gama Chavez,
31, Arson.

ing held without bond.
Dionicio A. Rodriguez, 29,
N.W First St., Okeechobee, was
arrested Dec. 4 by Deputy Joseph
Hall on a Martin County warrant
charging him with violation of
probation driving under the in-
fluence and violation of probation
- driving while license suspended.
He is being held without bond.
Juan Gabriel Ybanez, 27,
S.E. 18th Terrace, Fort Pierce, was
arrested Dec. 4 by Deputy Harold
Hancock on Okeechobee County
warrants charging him grand theft
- motor vehicle, burglary of an oc-
cupied dwelling, battery by stran-
gulation and criminal violation of

a domestic violence injunction.
His bond on these charges was
set at $80,000. He was also ar-
rested on additional Okeechobee
County warrants that charged him
with violation of probation and
violation of probation battery.
He is being held without bond on
those charges.
This column lists arrests and
not convictions, unless otherwise
stated. Anyone listed here who is
later found innocent or has had
the charges against them dropped
is welcome to inform this news-
paper. The information will be
confirmed and printed.

Law Enforcement Calls

Law Enforcement Calls
The Okeechobee County Sher-
iff's Office received the following
calls from Friday, Nov. 28, through
Thursday, Dec. 4:
Nov. 28
burglary in the 20000 block
of N.W. 272nd St.
theft in the 1600 block of
S.W Ninth St.
Nov. 29
burglary in the 1500 block of
N.E. Eighth St.
assault in the 6700 block of
N.E. 72nd Circle
assault on N.E. 13th Ave.
Nov. 30
assault in the 2700 block of
U.S. 441 S.E.
theft in the 1400 block of
U.S. 441 S.E.
Dec. 1
theft in the 4100 block of S.E.
21st Court
child molestation on N.E.
Second Terrace
Dec. 2
fraud in the 300 block of
N.W 98th St.
larceny in the 1000 block of
U.S. 98 N.

There's a wonderful world around us Ful of
fascinating pacee Intereting people Amazing
cultures Important challenges But sady our
kids are not getting the chance to team about
their world When surveys show thhatlf of
America's youth cannot locate India or Iraq on
map, then we have to wonder wht they do
know about there word Thats why wecreated
MyWonderulWord org It prt of a free National
Geographicled campaign to give your kids the
power of global knowledge Go there today and
help them succeed tomorrow Start with our free
parent and teacher action kits And let your kids
begin the adventure of a bIetime.
it a wonder wrtd. plo ~l

4-

theft in the 1700 block of S.E.
24th Blvd.
stolen four-wheeler in the
1300 block of N.E. 342nd Trail
theft in the 3600 block of
U.S. 441 N.
theft in the 2600 block of
S.W 16th St.
Dec. 3
vandalism in the 5600 block
of N.E. Fourth Lane
vandalism in the 1500 block
of S.R. 70 E.
theft in the 2800 block of

\onage

N.W 20th Lane
burglary in the 500 block of
N.W. 21st Lane
theft in the 3600 block of S.E.
26th St.
Dec. 4
child molestation on S.W
Second Ave.
burglary in the 6500 block of
N.E. 304th St.
Editor's Note: Only calls deal-
ing with either a felony or a po-
tential felony are entered into this
column.

UNLIMITED Local & Long Distance Calling

.95

Per Month'
For Three Months
See Below Fr Detals

Get UNLIMITED Local & Long Distance Calling for only $9,95/mo1 for three months

SPECIAL

PRICE

FOR YOUR FIRST
THREE MONTHS
sCa Deals 1 Below

Call: 1.800.970.1064

MONTHLY SERVICE FEE IS $24 99/MONTH AFTER 3 MONTHS $9 95MONTH PLAN FEE OFFER VALID ON THE RESIDENTIAL UNLIMITED
PLAN ONLY NEW ADDITIONAL LINES ONLY t Rates exclude broadband searce, regulatory and actration fees and certain other charges,
equipment, taxes. A shipping Intetn alna calls billed pet minute Ofier valid in the US only See Terms of Serce for delays Free Calls
to Euope Olfer (Available Only wth Unlmited Resdential Plan) Does Ne Apply To Certaln Call pes, Such AS Call to Cell Phones, and s
Limited to taly, France, Spain, UK and Ireland Other Inarnalenal Rates May Vary See http//vonage com/ntrales for Detals Vonage 911
ser-ice operates differently han traditional 111 See www vonage coms11 fo detalls High-Speed Internet or Broadband Required Alarms
and other systems may not be compalibl 30-day money back guarantee i rounded for any paid activalion ee, Il month service charge
iniial shipping charges and termination lee Applicable only to first ordered lin per account Available only in the event of timely cancellation
for subscribers who have not aeeeda 500 minutes ol usage and ho obtain a valid return authorization number from I-VONAGE-HELP and
relurn of equipment in onginal condition and packaging within 14 days of cancellation Refund will not include charges for takes, international
usae, payphone calls to Vonage toll freenumers and directly assistance Offer revocable Whene available The number transfer process
takes asproimately 10 business days from the ie i you confirm your transfer reuet, f 20i Vonage

TOP DOLLAR PAID FOR SCRAP
AND OLD GOLD FOR CASH!
Turn in your old chains, rings, earrings, broken or
not, and any jewelry you don't want to wear or
are just laying in the jewelry box...fr cash.

PURPOSE: The public hearings will consist of presentations by the department on the FDOT
Tentative Five Year Work Program for fiscal years 2009/10 2013/14, followed by a public testimo-
ny period. The public is invited to review the work program. Department staff will be available for
informal discussion and assistance. A court reporter will be available to accept comments for entry
into the public record.

The hearings will be conducted pursuant to Section 339.135(4)(c), Florida Statutes, as amended,
and are being developed in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes. Any
person or beneficiary who believes they have been discriminated against because of race, color,
religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or family status may file a written complaint to the FDOT
District One Title VI Coordinator or the FDOT Equal Opportunity Office as shown below:

Persons with disabilities who may require special accommodations at the public hearings in accordance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 or persons who require translation services (free of charge)
should contact Cindy Clemmons-Adente, Florida Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 1249, Bartow,
FL 33831, (863) 519-2362, or by e-mail to cindy.clemmons-adente@dot.state.fl.us. A copy of the hearing
agenda may be obtained from Ms. Clemmons-Adente.

Written comments will be accepted by the department at the public hearings or if received by
January 20, 2009. Comments should be mailed to:
Stanley M. Cann, PE.
District Secretary
Florida Department of Transportation
P.O. Office Box 1249
Bartow, FL 33831

For information about additional public meetings in your area, please contact:

SAY NO TO HIGHER PHONE BILLS!
" Our price Starts Low and Starl Lowell
Satisfaction Guaranteed'
" No bundles, no hassies- just reliable phone
service at a reliable price
EASY TO SWITCH, EASY TO SAVE
* Keep your existing phone number'
* Monage"works with your existing home
phone and high-speed Internet connection
* 25 Premium Features at no extra cost
* Free calls to 5 select European countries
and call other International locations for as
low as 1 cent per minute'

Stevenson

4 OPINION Okeechobee News, Sunday, December 7, 2008

Speak Out/Public Forum
Speak Out has moved online, where it is quicker and
easier to share your ideas and converse with others. Go to
www.newszap.com, click on the community name and your
local or state Public Forum. There, you can create new
topics or comment on existing topics. What follows is a sam-
pling of some of the discussions currently taking place.
Thanks for participating!

SOLAR POWER PLANT: I'm no "tree hugger," to me all this "car-
bon footprint" and other buzzwords are just voodoo science. Having
said that, I do believe that we in the U.S. need to either slow down or
cut (if possible) the oil line "umbilical cord" to other countries. FP&L
has a pretty good record of looking forward. This is also a strategic
move, since there is a "prediction" that Florida will soon join more
than half the states in implementing a renewable portfolio standard,
a requirement that a certain percentage of a state's electricity come
from renewables by a fixed date. Not to mention another "crystal
ball glimpse" that a national renewable standard from the incoming
Obama administration will in all likelihood be forthcoming. As to this
type of plant, it is probably easier to get the permits and allowances
for, since the "NIMBY's" (Not In My Back Yard) will instantly fall to
the ground in an epileptic fit, frothing and foaming at the mouth, at
the mention of nuclear plants. Of course, they will all retire to their
air conditioned homes to congratulate themselves when they block
such advancements.
TECHNOLOGY: I am so pleased to discover the advances in solar
power. If you are going to build a new house, the advantages are
great to going solar. You can install a system on your roof that cuts
your electric bill down to next to nothing. If all new construction in
the sunshine state had solar panels, it would not be hard to build
enough solar and wind plants to take care of the rest of the electric
needs in Florida. We could phase out the coal, gas and nuclear plants.
Our state could be the leader in clean energy.
BURGLARY: How low can you get to steal from an elderly wom-
an? When the couple who broke into the old woman's house go be-
fore a judge, I hope he throws the book at them. They could have
killed that poor woman, nearly running her down with their car.
HORSE SHOW: It was great to finally have a first class horse
show at the Agri Center. If you didn't get to see it you missed one
great event. International riders from all over. Amazing horses! This
could be the beginning of lots of horse events here in Okeechobee,
which by the way could bring great revenue to this county! We need
to welcome and encourage these events in the future. These people
spend money in our community while they are here. It was sad to not
see many spectators in the stands. The newspaper did have some ad-
vertising and news coverage, but I didn't see anything at the Chamber
of Commerce sign in the center of town? Maybe next time. And by the
way, this event was free to the public! I would love to see polo events
and dressage shows and hunter/jumper shows. I know there are a lot
of Western riders here, but there are a lot of English riders here also
who have to travel to go to horse shows. Lets try and keep it local,
and all of us could benefit.
SOLAR PLANT: With household solar hearing, current technol-
ogy for household use would be to create power using photovoltaic
cells and store the electricity in batteries. Power would then flow from
the batteries to an inverter, allowing for continuing power at night
and during "cloudy" conditions. BUT batteries as you know don't last
"forever," so now you have a disposal issue. The Technology FP&L
will use will be steam generation. The 180,000 mirrors will focus the
sun's heat, generating steam which in turn will power the turbine
generators. When the sun doesn't shine or the mirrors cannot heat
the water sufficiently, the existing natural gas plant will take over and
continue to keep the electricity flowing.
SOLAR HOMES: I remember reading about the new solar pow-
ered homes built in Okeechobee. On days they create more power
than they need, it goes back onto the grid and FPL gives them credit
for it. And when they need power, they draw it from FPL. So they have
two meters and pay the difference. If all new construction had solar
power, we could go a long way to reducing the amount of natural
gas needed to produce electricity -- and make what we have last a
lot longer. I think solar power is a great thing. It's clean energy and it
helps make us less dependent on foreign fuel.
OHS: Good things are happening at Okeechobee High School. I
am proud of the students, and the parents that helped make this hap-
pen. Maybe if we praise the kids more, for the good things that they
do instead of the bad, maybe those numbers will keep on rising.
JUMPERS: The horse show with the jumpers was just amazing. I
hope they come back. I would love to see more. The horses are just
so beautiful it is like something from a movie. And some folks are
talking about bringing polo here. Now wouldn't that be something?
Polo in Okeechobee. I love it!
HOLIDAY LIGHTS: I see some people are putting up their Christ-
mas decorations. Are you going to run a list in the newspaper this
year? We like to drive around and see all the pretty Christmas lights.
Editor's note: The Okeechobee News has a tradition of listing homes
and businesses decorated for the holidays so that readers can make
their own tour of the holiday decorations. If you would like to add an
address to this list, email it to okeenews@newszap.com.
STIMULUS: In regard to bailing out the auto industry, France has
a good idea. Their auto industry is in trouble too. But instead of giving
money to the auto industry, France is giving vouchers to the taxpay-
ers, good toward the purchase of the new, energy-efficient vehicles.
This encourages people to buy new cars and it encourages the auto
makers to produce more fuel-efficient cars. And it means the auto
makers have to be responsible about keeping costs down and being
financially responsible, since the consumer will decide which cars to
buy. Since the voucher will only pay part of the cost, the consumer
will still be shopping for the best deal. The car makers will have to
build cars that are a good buy as well as fuel-efficient. And car mak-
ers that do not build cars that people want will go out of business as
they should. This kind of stimulus package makes more sense than
just giving people a check because it means they have to spend the
money on new goods, rather than just use it to pay off old bills or sock
it away into savings.
NAMES: I like Gallagher, his wit on "words" make me look at
things too. Let's look at just this term "African-American." It really
makes no sense, since "African-American" implies that someone was
born in Africa and immigrated to America. Since most Blacks in
America were born here, wouldn't it be correct if they were called
'Blacks with African Ancestry.' Also it's a term which implies that all
Black people come from Africa even though Black people come from
many other parts of the world. And it's a term which singles out Black
people living in America from Black people living elsewhere. Black
people from France, Canada, England, Jamaica, Switzerland, Brazil,
or even from Africa are 'Black,' but a Black man from America is
an 'African-American.' Finally, would a person from Egypt be called
African-American? Egypt is in Africa. How about a white person from
South Africa?
OHS COACH: I just heard that there are at least 20 applicants
applying for the job as the Okeechobee High School football coach,
and only four are local. I heard that several applicants do not posses
a teaching degree and that they were going to dismiss those applica-
tions. So my next question is should they dismiss those applications
or should they give it to the best man for the job even if that person
does not posses a teaching degree?
BIBLE: The Bible does not say there is some stuff that people are
willing to overlook. We are told to love our brothers and sisters in
tolerance, that does not mean overlook. There are no contradictions
whatsoever in the original Bible. There were no contradictions until
there were several translations that omitted or revised wording. There
are over 3,000 fulfilled prophesies that happened exactly as they were
predicted from hundreds or thousands of years before they actually
happened. Yes we all have a God-given right to make our own choices
in our own lives. God will let you make your own choices, no matter
where they lead you. He will love you all the way to the gates of Hell
and open the door for you. It is not what the Bible says that matters; it
is what God says in the Bible that matters. God always said the same
thing. He never said, "This is what I command of you, but I don't care
if you change my laws because it is politically correct." In fact, he told
us political correctness is not acceptable.
MARIJUANA: God made pot. Man made booze. Who do you trust?

Courtesy photo/www.tommymarkham.com

Looking back ...
This photo, shared by Tommy Markham, is from 1946 and shows the Okeechobee County schools. Do you have an old
photo to share? Email it to okeenews@newszap.com.

Community Calendar

Sunday, Dec. 7
A.A. meeting from 7:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the Church of Our Saviour,
200 N.W. Third St. It will be an open step meeting.
A.A. open 12 step meeting from 7:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the Church
of Our Savior, 200 N.W. Third St.
Just for Today Club of Okeechobee, 101 N.W Fifth Street,
Okeechobee, (Behind Napa Auto Parts) A.A. weekend noon meeting
Open Discussion. The Just for Today Club of Okeechobee is not
affiliated with any 12 step fellowships.
Monday, Dec. 8
Just for Today Club of Okeechobee, 101 N.W Fifth Street,
Okeechobee, (Behind Napa Auto Parts) N.A. Sickest Of The Sick open
discussion 7 p.m. The Just for Today Club of Okeechobee is not affili-
ated with any 12 step fellowships.
A.A. meeting will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at the First United
Methodist Church, 200 N.W Second St. This will be an open meeting.
VFW #10539 Ladies Auxiliary lunch and bingo will start at noon
at the Post, 3912 U.S. 441 S.E. Auxiliary members and their guests are
invited. Please R.S.V.P. to 863-763-2308.
Okeechobee SeniorSingers meet at9:30 a.m. atthe Okeechobee
Presbyterian Church, 312 North Parrott Ave. Everyone who enjoys
singing is invited. For information or to schedule an appearance for
your organization or group, contact Marge Skinner at 863-532-0449.
The Genealogical Society of Okeechobee will meet at 1:30
p.m. at the Okeechobee County Public Library, 206 S.W. 16th St. The
meeting is open to anyone interested in tracing his or her ancestry.
The annual membership is $10 per person, and $12 for a family. For
information, call Eve at 863-467-2674; or, visit their web site at http://
www.rootsweb.com/-flgso.
Artful Appliquers is a recently formed chapter in Okeechobee.
This chapter meets at the Turtle Cove Clubhouse, 10 Linda Road,
Okeechobee on Mondays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Karen Graves,
Chapter leader would like to extend a warm welcome to any interested
persons to come by and see what they are about. For information call
863-763-6952.
Flottilla 57 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary meets at 7 p.m. at the Coast
Guard Auxiliary Station located at the entrance to Okeetantie on Road
78 on the second Monday of each month. Everyone is welcome to
come as a guest and inquire about membership. Watch the paper we
are planning a one day boat safety program in January 2009. Do get
your safe boating certification. Call to enroll for course or to inquire
about membership 863-763-0165.

Tuesday, Dec. 9
Just for Today Club of Okeechobee, 101 N.W. Fifth Street,
Okeechobee, (Behind Napa Auto Parts) NA. Nowhere Left To Go
Group open discussion at noon. NA. Sickest Of The Sick Group open
discussion. The Just for Today Club of Okeechobee is not affiliated
with any 12 step fellowships.
The Lighthouse Refuge Support Group is for women who are
hurting, homeless or have been abused. They meet on the first and
third Tuesday of every month from noon until 2 p.m. at First Baptist
Church, 401 S.W. Fourth St., and on the second and fourth Tuesday of
every month from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the Red Cross, 323 N. Parrott
Ave. For more information call Donna Dean at 863-801-9201 or 863-
357-2106.
Okeechobee Substance Abuse Coalition meets the second
Tuesday of the month, at 11:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist
Church, lunch is provided. For information contact Jim Vensel at 863-
697-1792.
New Beginning's meeting of Narcotics Anonymous will be
held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at Believers Fellowship

Okeechobee News

Our Purpose...
The Okeechobee News is published by Independent Newspapers of Florida.
Independent is owned by a unique trust that enables this newspaper to pur-
sue a mission of journalistic service to the citizens of the community. Since no
dividends are paid, the company is able to thrive on profit margins below
industry standards. All after-tax surpluses are reinvested in Independent's
mission of journalistic service, commitment to the ideals of the First
Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and support of the community's deliber-

action of public issues.

We Pledge ...
* To operate this newspaper as a
public trust
* To help our community become a
better place to live and work,
through our dedication to consci-
entious journalism.
* To provide the information citizens
need to make their own intelligent
decisions about public issues.
* To report the news with honesty,
accuracy, purposeful neutrality,
fairness, objectivity, fearlessness
and compassion.
* To use our opinion pages to facili-
tate community debate, not to
dominate it with our own opinions.
* To disclose our own conflicts of
interest or potential conflicts to our
readers.
* To correct our errors and to give
each correction to the prominence
it deserves.
* To provide a right to reply to those
we write about.
* To treat people with courtesy,
respect and compassion.

Okeechobee News 2007
For More Information See
At Your Service On Page 2

Church, 300 S.W. Fifth Ave. It will be an open discussion meeting. For
more information call Monika Allen at 863-801-3244.
Rotary Club of Okeechobee meets each Tuesday at noon at
Golden Corral Restaurant, 700 S. Parrott Ave. The meetings are open to
the public. For information, Call Maureen Budjinski at 863-484-0110.
New A.A. Meeting in Basinger: There is now an A.A. meeting in
Basinger on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Basinger Christian Brethren
Church on 700-A, north off U.S. 98. Beginners are welcome.
Christian Home Educators of Okeechobee will meet at the
Grace Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 701 S. Parrott Ave. Anyone
currently home schooling or interested in home schooling is welcome.
For information, call Lydia Hall 863-357-6729 or Betty Perera 863-467-
6808.
Al-Ateen meeting will be held at the Church of Our Saviour, 200
N.W Third St., at 7 p.m. For more information, please call Amy at 863-
763-8531 or Dan 561-662-2799.
Al-Anon meeting will be held at the Church of Our Savior, 200
N.W Third St., at 8 p.m.
AA. Closed discussion meeting from 8 until 9 p.m. at the Church of
Our Savior, 200 N.W. Third St.
Grief and Loss Support Group meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m.
at the Hospice Building, 411 S.E. Fourth St., in Okeechobee. Everyone
is welcome. For information, contact Brenda Nicholson at 863-467-
2321.
Family History Center meets from 1 until 5 p.m. at the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 310 S.W. Sixth St. Anyone interested in
finding who your ancestors are is welcome to attend. There is Census,
IGI (International Genealogical Index), Social Security Death Index
and military information available. For information, call The Family
History Center at 863-763-6510 or Richard Smith at 863-261-5706 for
special appointments.
Gospel Sing every Tuesday beginning at 7 p.m. The public
is invited to participate with vocal and/or instrumental music. For
information, contact Douglas Chiropractic Center at 863-763-4320.
Widows and Widowers support group meets at 7:30 8 a.m.
at the Clock Restaurant, 1111 S. Parrott Ave., for breakfast. For
information, June Scheer at 863-634-8276
The Gathering Church Overcomers Group meets at 7:30
p.m. in the fellowship hall at 1735 S.W. 24th Ave. This is a men's only
meeting. For information, call Earl at 863-763-0139.
Bible study at the Living Word of Faith Church, 1902 S. Parrott
Ave., at 7 p.m. Informal and informative discussions bring many Bible
truths to life. Everyone is invited.
Community Country Gospel will meet at 7 p.m. at the church
next to Douglas Clinic on North Park St. Any individual or group that
enjoys old time gospel music is invited to participate. For information,
contact Dr. Edward Douglas at 863-763-4320.
A.A. meeting will be held from noon until 1 p.m. at the First
United Methodist Church, 200 N.W Second St. This will be an open
meeting.
Okeechobee Substance Abuse Coalition meets every second
Tuesday, at 11:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church. For
information contact Jim Vensel at 863-697-1792.

Counseling Corner

Don't let anger
control you
By the American
Counseling Association
We live in a world of high
stress and tension. Whether it's
bad economic news, local reports
of growing crime rates, that traffic
jam that made us late this morn-
ing, or a boss who never under-
stands or appreciates us, we face
lots of things that make our lives
stressful.
Unfortunately, for many peo-
ple, the stress and tension of daily
life can build to the point that it
only takes one small incident for
them to explode, letting their an-
ger get out of control.
Experts say anger is the most
poorly-managed emotion in our
society, with as many as one in
five Americans having an anger
control problem. Not being able
to manage one's anger is a major
cause of conflicts in both profes-
sional and personal relationships.
Is it a problem for you? One
way to judge how well you con-
trol your anger is to consider
whether you've ever, during an
argument: raised your voice; bro-
ken something; pushed, slapped
or physically hurt someone; em-
barrassed yourself; or felt out of
control.
If any of those apply, you might
consider some actions to help you
better manage your anger:
Accept responsibility for your
anger. Anger may be triggered by
someone else, but it's you who
lets it happen and grow out of
control.
Learn to recognize the begin-
ning signs of anger. Anger is eas-

ier to control when emotions are
still at a low level.
Try to identify the cause of
your anger. It isn't someone else,
but rather something within you,
emotional or psychological from
your past, that's usually the real
source of your anger.
Focus on the situation or be-
havior making you angry, rather
than the other person. Criticizing
or name-calling doesn't resolve
a problem but merely escalates
it. Rather than putting the other
person on the defensive and rais-
ing the conflict level, use "I" state-
ments to talk about what you're
feeling and experiencing.
Learn to listen and communi-
cate more effectively. Too often
situations that lead to an angry
outburst are simply the result of
not understanding what was said,
or not expressing yourself clearly
and calmly.
Anger should never control
you. When it does, it can make
your life miserable, lead to very
real problems and even affect
your health. If your anger is some-
times out of control and causing
you problems, consider an Anger
Management course (your local
hospital or mental health center
may offer one), or consulting a
counseling professional offering
Anger Management help.
"The Counseling Corner" is provided
as a public service by the American
Counseling Association, the nation's
largest organization of counseling
professionals. Learn more about
the counselingprofession at the ACA
web site, www.counsellng.org.

Okeechobee News, Sunday, December 7, 2008 5

Everglades Elementary students prepare for the holidays

Second Grade: Mrs. Brady's
class is writing our letters to San-
ta, learning to count money, and
studying fossils in science. We are
staying focused while being fes-
tive.
Mrs. Campbell's class enjoyed
a pizza party as our prize for being
2nd place runner up in the "Blood
Round-Up" naming contest. The
pizza was yummy!
Mrs. Kirby's class has been
busy writing stories, learning
about verb tenses, and regroup-
ing in subtraction. We are work-
ing hard and looking forward to
Christmas.
Ms. Hunt's class has been
reading about alligators, dragon-
flies and other creatures that have
been around for hundreds of mil-
lions of years. We feel so young!
Miss Kosinski's class is writ-
ing letters to Santa and talking
about Christmas in other lands.
Did you know that Santa has dif-
ferent names in other places? The
students are creating a natural re-
source PSA video on how we can
protect our natural resources!
Reading Leadership Team:
The Reading Leadership Commit-
tee would like to thank all of the
teachers who helped make our
school wide read a success. We
are just about finished with Are
You Smarter Than A Flying 'Gator,
and the students have enjoyed it.
Some of our vocabulary words
have been, debating, enthusias-
tic, and precocious. Our compre-
hension questions have been, In
the book, what is the name of the
Governor of Florida? What is "Alli-
gator Ally?", What did Prez name
his boat, and why." We have had
many prizes given out to many
students in many different class-
rooms. The students have learned
a ton about Florida history in a fun
and entertaining way. Each day
we look for Mikey the flying 'Ga-

tor to hover over
Everglades! So
far, we haven't
spotted him.
Mrs. Hollin's
first graders
were delighted
to get a letter
back from the
author, Kevin Kremer. He said
that they were the very first class
of first graders to ever write to
him. He is sure that they are the
smartest first graders ever! We
would like to thank him for send-
ing an autographed poster for
each of the students in Mrs. Hol-
lin's class!
The Reading Leadership Team
and the students are looking for-
ward to our third annual read
aloud of The Polar Express. The
week of December 15th each
class will read the award winning
book and participate in age appro-
priate activities. We will conclude
the week with our "'Gator" walk
around the playground, this year
it will be Polar Express style! The
special areas teachers will punch
their train ticket as they go around
the playground. As with every
"'Gator" walk, physical fitness is
always the main goal! Thanks to
the PE. teacher's, Coach Forde,
and Coach Jackson for keeping
us in good physical shape!
Science Committee: The last
science questions for 2008 are: 1.
What type of tree is used mostly
for Christmas celebrations in the
US? 2. Can Christmas trees be a
renewable resource? Tell WHY!
Mrs. Fuller has jus concluded
her RIF (Reading Is Fundamen-
tal) distribution. Each student at
Everglades received a book of
their choice to keep forever. The
students are very grateful for all
of the hard work that goes in to
choosing just the right book!
Mrs. Wilson, our music teach-

Submitted photo/EES
Mrs. Hollin's first grade class proudly displays one of the
personally autographed posters sent to them by the author
of Are You Smarter Than A Flying 'Gator, Kevin Kremer. He
also sent a fantastic letter in response to their letter.

er is very proud to present the
Christmas musical, "The X-Mas
Flies." This is a musical perfor-
mance put on by the chorus and
the acting crew of Everglades.
The performances are during the
day on Dec. 15 and 16, and in the
evening of the 16 at 7 p.m. A big
thanks to choreographer, Mrs.
Beki Moore and acting coach,
Mrs. Melissa Brady.
Third Grade: Mrs. Tilton's class
is mastering multiplication with
our intense 10 day program. In
science we are making models
of forces that change the earth.
Have you ever exploded a baking
soda volcano or created a Jell-O
earthquake? In Social Studies, we
are exploring the achievements
of ancient civilizations by making
our own paper and counting on
an inter-active abacus.
Mrs. Reno's class is "produc-
ing products" in multiplication. In
reading we're focusing on cause

and effect and can tell all about
past tense verbs. In Social Stud-
ies we are learning about kings,
squires, peasants, and many
things to do with feudalism. Our
writings are explaining about
ecosystems as we learn to write
an expository essay. Congratula-
tions to our students of the week:
Dakota Myers, and Jose Luviano.
Great work!
Mrs. Koff's class is practic-
ing multiplication facts in math.
In reading we are finishing our
story "Saving the Sand Dunes."
The students have been learning
about cause and effect and dif-
ferent verb tenses. In writing they
are working hard on their narra-
tive stories and are enjoying shar-
ing their work in class. In science
we are learning about how land
forms change over time. The stu-
dents continue to work hard on
100 Book Challenge as they work
towards their goal.

Seminole Elementary School names 'Teacher of the Year'

Seminole Elementary School
staff and students are excited to
announce that Joe Paige is the
Seminole Elementary School
2008-2009 Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Paige has been teaching
fifth grade for the past two years
at Seminole, but he is no stranger
to teaching in this district. With
29 years teaching experience in
Okeechobee County, Mr. Paige
began his career at Okeechobee
Elementary while Linda King was
principal. He worked at South El-
ementary School with Principal
Sam Smith and at Everglades El-
ementary School while Mike Mc-
Cranie was principal. Mr. Paige
then left the elementary schools
and began teaching at Yearling
Middle School. He enjoyed work-

ing with Mary
Hurley and
Brian Greseth
who were
principals dur-
ing his tenure
there. Today,
Mr. Paige
works at Semi-
nole with "some of the greatest
faculty and staff," he says.
Mr. Paige's students will tell
you he is a teacher who uses
strategies and instructional prac-
tices that allow for small group
work and independent practice.
He gives students an opportunity
to work individually and with him
in teacher directed centers. Mr.
Paige believes that every child de-
serves the very best he can give

them, both academically and
emotionally.
Mr. Paige attended Indian River
Community College and Florida
Atlantic University after gradu-
ating from Okeechobee High
School in 1973. Mr. Paige was
born and raised in Okeechobee,
and his family, who is related to
the Raulerson family, dates back
to 1840. Mr. Paige is a long stand-
ing member of this community
and would never dream of living
anywhere else. He takes pride in
this town and its people, and he
loves working in the school sys-
tem.
Mr. Paige plans creative and
exciting lessons for his students.
His dedication, enthusiasm, cre-
ativity, and caring for his students

shows every time you walk into v -,. IIx
his classroom. His students are Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
actively engaged, smiling, and Thursday-Sunday
having fun all while getting a Thursday-
quality education. 6AM-8PM
Thank you, Mr. Paige, for all Landing Strip Cafe'
you do at Seminole Elementary 2800 N.W. 20th Trail
School to prepare our children for *
a successful career and produc-
tive life. We are happy to have you 863.467.6828
represent Seminole Elementary
School as the 2008-2009 Teacher co
of the Year.

Okechbe MdialComeicCete

look

Submitted photo
Seminole Elementary School students and staff are happy to congratulate Joe Palge as their
teacher of the year.

"I was about to lose my
b because of my teeth Dr
Harrouff took care of the
problem I received
B j I Implants, a Sinus Lift and
Penodontal Surgery at a
Svery affordable price. I
trust Dr. Harrouff and
would recommend him to
n vn s anyone who truly wants to
Bill VanDusen, improve the look of his or
Meteorologist her smile!"

33!I3 E Dentists have over 70 years combined dental experience in Palm Be
County. 20 years implant experience and over 10,000 crownslimplants insertions.

SDigital X-Rays, 90% less radiation.

- Biohorizon, Lifecore, Biolock All made in the USA.

Er-mhliIiI- Dr. Wade Harrouff is a graduate of Misch Institute University of
Pittsburg and Graduate of Implant Program at Atlantic Dental Research Clinic.
Also, trained in France and Germany.
mam Lifetime warranty from manufacturer.

at

by reversing

sun & aging

damage...

Brown & Red Spots

Facial & Leg Veins

Irregular Skin Color

Rosacea

Chin & Lip Hair

Wrinkles

SThe "Frown of Aging"

Reduce or Eliminate Facial
Lumps & Bumps

T.A. Wade B. Jonothan
Aliapoulios, Harrouff, M. Royal,
D.D.S. D.D.S. D.M.D.
License #DN1847 License #DN10761 License #DN12061
Graduate University of New Hampshire in Zoology Graduate Univerity of Tennesee 1977. Author, lecurer who Graduate of Louisville School of Dentistry in
and Temple University Dental School. US Air hasappeared on TV, radioandprmn(WPBF/ABPal Beach 1989. Practiced privately in Boca Raton and
Force Medical Corp. Served as Chair of Council on illustrate and more) a the authority on mplan as well as has recently joined Dr. Harrouff's group. Past
Fore M ..ealt Cr.. Srervd as C r of Cuncl o en eral denlisry,. Member of Intemrational Congress of Oral
Dental Health. Formerly of West Palm Beach, he implanology e an Acadmy of implant Den & Vice President of South Palm Beach County
has merged his practice with Dr. Harrouff Mich Insttute of Advasned Implantology. Dental Association.

For Free Implant Report Dial (888) 692-1325 Or log On To www.freelimpantreport.com
New treatment program only The cancel payment, or be res'tmured for a LIC #DN 107
service examinaton or realment Implant Surgica Fee & DN1847

Rodeo Team to run
concession stand
The Florida High School Ro-
deo Team Okeechobee Chapter
will have a concession stand at
the Horse and Tack Auction on
Dec. 13, beginning at 11 a.m. The
location is 4793 Hwy. 441 South.
Barbecue pork sandwiches, ham-
burgers and hot dogs will be sold.
Proceeds will benefit the rodeo
team.

Wildlife Garden
Workshop planned
In Florida birds and butterflies
abound year round. Your yard de-
serves its share of these beauties.
Come to this Garden Workshop
and learn what plants are attrac-
tive to the species you want to
attract and what garden features
are needed for wildlife.
During the workshop you can
design your space and create a list
of plants and features you want
to complement your own land-
scape. Be sure to bring the mea-
surements of the space you have
available for wildlife. Leave with
a detailed plan for your garden
and a Florida Friendly Plant. The
workshop will be held on Dec.
15, from 1-2:30 p.m., or 5:30-7
p.m. at the Okeechobee County
Extension Service, 458 Highway
98 North, Okeechobee. Space is
limited and pre-registration is re-
quired. Call 863-763-6469 to sign
up.

Main Street
Mixer planned
Okeechobee Main Street in-
vites you to share the holiday spir-
it with them at their December
Main Street Mixer to be held on
Thursday, Dec. 11, from 5-7 p.m.
Hosted by the offices of Costo-
polous and Helton, CPA located
at 195 S.W 28th Street, there will
be refreshments, door prizes and
the yearly Mega 50-50 will be
drawn. For more information call
Okeechobee Main Street at: 863-
357-6246.

County Fair
passes on sale
Need something special to put
in a Christmas stocking?
The Third Annual Okeechobee
County Fair has a 10 day pass for
only $30.
This 10 day pass is on sale now
at: Okeechobee Main Street, 111
N.E. Second Ave., 863-357-6246
Sybles Flowers & Gifts
119 S. Parrott Ave., 863-763-
2225
Tradewinds Pro Services (cash
only)
200 SW 3rd Ave., 863-763-
2887.

Holiday ham sale
coming up
Okeechobee Main Street is
again having their Holiday Hon-
ey Baked Ham Sale! Order your
Holiday Ham or Turkey with all
the fixins including a wide vari-
ety of desserts now. Orders must
be placed by December 19th for
pickup on Monday, Dec. 22. To
order or to have a complete list
of items emailed or faxed to you
call Main Street at 863-357-6246
or Syble's Flowers & Gifts at 863-
763-2225.

New Testament
Baptist Church to hold
'Round Up' Sunday
On Sunday, Dec. 7, New Tes-
tament Baptist Church, 535 N.E.
28th Ave., will hold a "Round-Up"
Sunday with special guest speak-
er, Evangelist Wayne Nelson.
The day will begin with a puppet
presentation, special missionary
presentation and the teaching of
God's word at 9:30 a.m. during
the Sunday School hour. It will
be followed by a special message
at 10:30 a.m. during the worship
hour. Also at 10:30 a.m. Mr. Nel-
son's wife Hattie, will give a spe-
cial presentation for the children's
church kids. There will be special
music, a children's program, ser-
mons in chemistry, wood and
metal objects and more. For more
information, please call 863-763-
6682. If you are interested in go-
ing, but do not have a ride, call
the church and they can set up
transportation for you. Also, there
is a nursery available every ser-
vice for the little ones.

American Legion Post
64 holds bingo night
The American Legion Post 64,
will hold a "Straight Bingo Night,"
on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
There will be 20 games straight,
five specials, larger jack pots,
bring singles, pull tabs. Food and
snacks will be available. For infor-
mation call the Legion at 863-763-
5309.

Nutritional class
planned
Dr. Edward Douglas will teach
a CRA Nutritional Analysis class
on Monday, Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m.
at the Douglas Chiropractic and
Fitness Center. For more informa-
tion call 863-7634320. This is a
free community service.

Red Cross plans
Health and Safety
classes
The Okeechobee Branch of
the American Red Cross will be
holding the following the follow-
ing Health & Safety classes in
December: Monday, Dec. 8, In-
fant/Child CPR at 6 p.m. Wednes-
day, Dec. 10, Adult CPR/AED at 6
p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, First Aid
Basics at 6 p.m. All classes are
held at their Branch office located
at 323 N. Parrott Ave. To register,
or for more information call 863-
763-2488.

AARP Driver Safety
Class offered
Tuesday, Dec. 9 and Wednes-
day, Dec. 10, Nell Bostwick will
instructing an AARP Driver Safety
Class at the Okeechobee County
Extension Office, 458 Hwy 98 W,
from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. each day.
Tuition fee is $10 per person to
cover work books. There are no
tests, but you must attend both
days to obtain your certificate.
Contact your insurance company
to see if you qualify for a discount.
Most insurance companies in
Florida do. Please bring a check
or money order for $10, please
no cash. You do not have to be a
member of AARP to attend these
classes. For information or to sign
up for the class please call Nell
Bostwick at 863-763-4134.

Area Agency on Aging
to meet
The Area Agency on Aging of
Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, Inc.
is planning its upcoming month-
ly Board of Directors Executive
Committee meeting, to be held at
the Area Agency on Aging, 4400
N. Congress Ave., West Palm
Beach, on Tuesday, Dec. 9. The
meeting is scheduled to begin
at 8:30 a.m. Contracts requiring
the expenditure of funds are a
regular agenda item of this meet-
ing. Please call Vivian Pfau, Area
Agency on Aging, at 561-684-5885
for more information.

Feast of Our Lady of
Guadalupe celebrated
The feast of our Lady of Gua-
dalupe will be held on Friday,
Dec. 12 at Sacred Heart Catholic
Church, 901 S.W Okeechobee.
Outdoor procession will take
place in the parking lot before
the 8 p.m. mass. There will be
a special celebration beginning
at 9 p.m. on the grounds of the
church. We will have ethnic food
and everyone is welcome. Admis-
sion and parking is free. For more
information call 863-763-3727.

Local authors visit
library program
On Friday, Dec. 12, at the
Okeechobee Library, mystery
author, Deborah Sharp, and
children's author, Jan Day, will
discuss how and why they write
books set in rural Florida. Ms.
Sharp, a former USA reporter, set
her mystery in a little town north
of the lake, just like Okeechobee.
Book signing and reception to fol-
low. For more information please
call the library at: 863-763-3536.

Free memory loss
screenings offered
The Alzheimer's Association
will sponsor free memory loss
screenings on Dec. 12 at the Vis-
iting Nurse Association, 208 S.E.
Park St., Okeechobee. Screenings
are by appointment only from
11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. There is
no charge for these screenings.
For information or to make an
appointment call Donna True at
1-800-861-7826. Screenings are
for anyone, any age, concerned
about memory loss. Screenings
are conducted by staff from St.
Mary's Memory Disorder Center.
Immediate results.

TREASURE COAST DERMATOLOGY
Specializing in the Treatment of Skin Cancer

BIG LAKE HOSPICE has been a wonderful
choice for my mother and us Mother is
able to continue living at home with the
care she needs They have done more
than care for her, they have shown love
and compassion forourwhole family
Big Lake Hospice is not just about dying
it is more about living and coping with a
S--
terminal illness of someone you love.
-JuDeane Garrett
Daughter of Mary Helen

BIG LAKE
H OS P I C E
Your Hometown Choice

10707 354 3 Hwy 441 S Okeechobee. FL 34974 wwwBigLakeHospice org

~F)r~

Okeechobee News, Sunday, December 7, 2008 7

Yearling Middle School plans holiday fun

Band Concert
The Yearling Middle School
band will be putting on their an-
nual Christmas Concert on Dec.
11, at 7 p.m. in the gym. Please
come and listen to our band play
various Christmas music. We
look forward to your attendance
and participation.
Tutorial Programs
Yearling Middle School offers a
morning and an after school tuto-
rial program.
The after school tutorial pro-
gram operates two days a week
from 3:40 until 5 p.m. (Tuesday
and Thursday). Parents must pro-
vide their own transportation for
the after school tutorial. The tuto-
rial program began on Tuesday,
Sept. 9.
The morning tutorial operates
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thurs-
day from 7:10- 8:20. Transporta-
tion will be provided. The tutorial
also began on September 9.
Please contact Dylan Tedders
at Yearling Middle School 863-
462-5056 for more information.
Information Hotline
Yearling Middle School offers
an Information Hotline to assist
students and parents. As of right
now, parents and
students will be able to call
the Information Hotline at 863-
462-5066 and listen to their work
assignments for the day or week.
Please call our school office if the
Information Hotline seems incor-
rect or if you do not have a par-
ticular teacher's number.
Boys' Basketball
Coach Sluder has chosen his
basketball team for the 2008-2009
Season. Please come out and
support our boys and girls during
the season.
The Boys' Team Consists of
the Following Members:
Marshall Tommie, Layton
Thomas, Jesse Stebbins, Ale-
jandro Diaz, Stephen Geary, Joey
Santibanez, Alex Estermera,
Lavonte Spivey, Jose Loredo,
Deveon Jones, Ezequiel Gomez,
Felton Johnson, Cornelius Mer-
riwether, Jalen McKelton, J.T. Os-
ceola
Girls' Basketball
Coach Morrow has chosen her
basketball team for the 2008-2009
Season. Please come out and
support our boys and girls during
the season.
The Girls' Team Consists of the
Following Members:
Jaryaca Baker, Ami Edwards,
Jessica Jaimes, Taylor Lowe,
Shamarah Shanks, Alicen Sheen-
ey, Janet Smith, Kiylier Baker,
Jaide Micco, Jessi Osceola, Mike-
shia Tillman, Carley McCoin, Del-
aney Osceola, Taylor Trent.
PTO Meeting
Please join us for our sec-
ond PTO Meeting of the year on
Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. in the
gym. We will be discussing plans
for the year and explaining to par-
ents the current grade promotion
requirements. For more informa-
tion, contact Andrea Mitchum at
863-462-5056. The meeting will
precede the YMS Band Concert in
the gymnasium.
Veterans' Day Program
On Monday, Nov. 10, the Year-
ling Middle School Student Coun-
cil, under the direction of Mrs.
Kathy McGee, honored our com-
munity's veterans with a poignant
program. The school welcomed
the following guests from VFW
Post #9528: Commander, Rob-
ert Hare, Albert Frank, Ed Ham-
mond, Herb Karnes (ex-POW),
Don South, and Ron Stein.
The Yearling Middle School
Band played the Prelude, The
National Anthem, and a medley
of songs from the United States
Armed Forces. Entertainment
was provided by the Yearling Mid-
dle School Steppers and the VFW
Post #9528 did a special Flag
Folding Ceremony. Veterans and
family members of veterans were
honored by placing flowers on a
wreath to signify their service and
sacrifice to our country.
Mr. Chris Cudney, Language
Arts teacher at Yearling Middle
School, received a special honor
because he is currently serving
our country in the United States
National Guard. He will be receiv-
ing his orders shortly to deploy to
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The stu-
dents, teachers and staff are very
proud of Mr. Cudney's dedication
and service.
Yearling Middle School would
like to thank the following people
for their contribution and hard
work:
Mrs. Kathy McGee, Student
Council Sponsor; Student Coun-
cil Members- Ami Nunez, Roman
Mattson, Hunter Boshnell, and Ari

Sel t quick with
an online classified a!

Nunez; Felton
Johnson for
the Posting of
Colors; VFW

Stein; Ms. Regan VanNess and
the Yearling Band; Ms. Pat Grant
and the Yearling Steppers; Ms.
Marcie Farrell for the playing of

Submitted photo/YMS
Great students
Yearling Middle School Is pleased to announce the names of the students selected for this
week Dec.1-5, as students of the week including: (Standing on top row from left to right)
Miracle Grace and Lakendra Williams. Sitting in middle row from left to right are: Mercedes
Testone, Tori Hauck and Odalis Garcia and standing bottom row left to right are: Ja'Juanza
Ford and Nicole Kelly along with Mr. Brewer and Mrs. Markham.

We report,

but YOU deck

Many newspapers aggressively
publishers or corporate owners.

push the opinions of their

But we don't think it's our place to tell people what to think,
or to try to control public opinion. Our editors insist on pur-
poseful neutrality. We try to report the news fairly and facili-
tate a fair but vigorous discussion of public issues.

We are proud to be journalists, not power brokers. And we're
proud to understand the difference.

Winter seems to have come
early to Okeechobee this year.
It has been cold for weeks but
we are happy with this situa-
tion because it lets us get in the
mood for Winter Carnival! The
South Elementary School Win-
ter Carnival will be held on Dec.
18, from 5-8 p.m. The Carnival is
a lot of fun for the children and
gives the parents an opportunity
to chat with one another. During
the Winter Carnival, all the stu-
dents in the school have the op-
portunity to sing songs they have
learned in music class. There are
booths with games set up such
as ring toss, football throw, and
basketball shoot. For the younger
children there is a treasure hunt,
duck pond and a fishing pond.
There are several other booths
and games set up in the courtyard
area. Glow-in-the-dark necklaces
and temporary tattoos will be on
sale near the Media Center. Sea-
coast Bank employees will be
manning the Sand Art booth. (We
could still use some baby food
jars for the sand art if you have
any to donate.) We will have two
new rides this year. There will be
a hayride and a train ride.
The parents can busy them-
selves with the Silent Auction.
It will begin at 5 p.m. and will
close down at 7:30 p.m. Be sure
to check several times during the
evening to be sure your name is
the last on the list with the highest
bid so you will get that treasured
item. We are still collecting Silent
Auction items. If you have new
items or services that you or your
business would like to donate,
you can drop them off at South
Elementary between the hours of
7:30 and 4. The more items avail-
able the more exciting the Silent
Auction can be!
There is also a Goodie Walk
where participants win dessert

items. This is al-
ways avery pop-
ular event be-
cause we have
some excellent
bakers at South
Elementary. The
cakes and pies
are not only
beautiful they are delicious. If you
would like to donate baked items,
(home-made or store bought)
please drop them by the day of
the carnival. If you have students
at South Elementary, you will be
receiving a flyer soon that you can
fill out to let us know if you are
willing to bake or volunteer your
time for this event.
But let's not forget the food!
Our Winter Carnival is well-
known for the delicious sausage
sandwiches with green peppers
and onions. This favorite will be
here again this year. Also avail-
able will be hot dogs, chili dogs,
hamburgers, and pizza. For your
snacking pleasure there will be
nachos and cheese. A full list of
all the area businesses that help
us with the Winter Carnival will
appear at the Carnival, in our
newsletter, and in a January ar-
ticle for the newspaper. We cer-
tainly could not have a successful
carnival without the generosity of
our community and families.
The PTO sponsors the Winter
Carnival and the proceeds from
the carnival go toward student
incentives and rewards. Students
receive awards and prizes at the
four Awards Ceremonies each
year as well as more incentives in
the classroom to support the 100
Book Challenge and the Acceler-
ated Reader programs. PTO sup-
ports many of the projects that are
undertaken at South Elementary.
The Positive Support Program is
sponsored in part with PTO funds
as is the landscaping and beautifi-

cation projects.
So, come out and join us. Tick-
ets can be purchased prior to the
carnival in bundles of 25 ($10) or
50 ($25) or the night of the carni-
val at 50 cents each. All booths,
rides, and food within the carni-
val is purchased with tickets. Buy
plenty of tickets and enjoy your
evening dinner and entertainment
at South Elementary on Thursday,
Dec. 18, from 5 until 8 p.m.
The South Singers have been

busy practicing for the 10th An-
nual Okeechobee Tree Lighting
Ceremony held on Tuesday. It
was very cold but the singing
was superb! South Singers is an
auditioned group of 35 students
in grades 2-4. South Singers re-
hearses three days a week before
school. South Singers will also
be caroling at the Okeechobee
Health Care Facility on Dec. 12
and will perform at Winter Carni-
val on Dec. 18.

Desirable River Lake Estates SW
area home- 3/2/2 recently updated
New carpet, new DW. Close to town
and schools. Very nice home waiting
for you! $175,000

Back on market 3/2/2 brick home
SW 5th Ave. Great curb appeal, great
location, close to everything. Recently
reduced $247,500 OBO

Teacher of the Year
As all the students and staff gathered in the courtyard at
South Elementary, the Teacher of the Year was announced.
Mrs. Amelia Lozano, who teaches in the Exceptional Stu-
dent Education department, was chosen by the staff to
represent them as the 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year for
South Elementary. Mrs. Lozano has worked at South El-
ementary since 1989. Mrs. Geeting, principal of South El-
ementary, presented a bouquet of flowers to Mrs. Lozano
during the assembly. Congratulations, Mrs. Lozano!

Central Elementary is having a great year

Third grade: At Central Ele-
mentary School this week we are
reading Saving the Sand Dunes.
In math: Study your multiplica-
tion. In science we are learning
about and making rocks. In writ-
ing we are continuing our exposi-
tory writing on Thanksgiving and
Christmas and writing a letter to
Santa. In social studies we are
reading Time for Kids.
Mrs. Norman's fantastic class
has been hard at work! We have
been reading Cinderella sto-
ries from around the world and
completing various activities.
The students have really enjoyed
reading the many different ver-
sions of Cinderella. We have been
learning about the water cycle in
Science and will make a model
water cycle next week. In math
the students are learning how to
complete surveys. They are tak-
ing the data from the surveys they
complete and putting it into tables
and graphs. Our students of the
week have been Shay Hopewell
and Kaleigh Sparkman. Congrat-
ulations you guys and keep up the
good work. Thank you parents
and family for everything you do!
Ms. DelPrete's class enjoyed read-
ing "One Riddle, One Answer"
this week and doing a story map
to describe character, setting,
and plot. We are working hard to
earn AR points to make our goal
and go to Golden Corral. Parents
remember to sign agendas ev-
eryday and 100 Book Challenge
folders when your child reads for
15 minutes. In Science, we are
learning about Landforms and
how they change. In Math, we are
collecting data and putting the
information in frequency tables.
Ms. DelPrete is very proud of how
hard her class is working on Suc-
cessmaker to earn the goals set
for December. We will be making
gingerbread houses soon so par-
ents please send in the goodies.
Thank you for everything you do
to support your child's education.
Congratulations to our recent stu-
dents of the week Robert Padgett
and Ana Munoz. I wish everyone
Happy Holidays!!!
Third Grade BASE: Congratula-
tions to our Students of the Week:
Sally Tijerina and Carol Flores.
We are working on our multipli-
cation facts and getting ready to
go into learning customary units.
We are learning about minerals is
science. We have learned about
Puerto Rico in Spanish. We are
looking forward to our Christmas
vacation.
Ms. Enfinger's class competed
in the Great American Balloon
Race at Central Elementary this
week. This activity was designed
for these third graders to explore
simple machines, energy trans-
fer, mechanical energy, motion
of objects, and problem solving.
Every child built a balloon car and
designed ways they could make
it more efficient. They had fun
learning. Students are working
on collecting and analyzing data
in math. Students are reading
chapter books in class along with
their stories in the readers. We are
practicing our Christmas song for
the schools sing along Our stu-
dents of the week were Sabrina
Wells, Dustin Long, and Edwardo

Taylor. Don't forget to read!
Mrs. Norman's class is staying
very busy! We are working with
time and calendars in math, and
learning about rocks and miner-
als in science. The students had a
great time making their own sedi-
mentary rock this week. We have
also been working on writing ex-
pository essays and interviews.
The students had the opportunity
to interview each other and write
a paragraph about the person
they interviewed. Our students
of the week have been Kiara Her-
nandez, Felix Pineda, and Tommi
White. Congratulations you guys,
and keep up the good work.
Thank you parents and fam-
ily for all of your help! The stu-
dents enjoyed all of the snacks at
our Oktoberfest extravaganza. It
would not have been such a suc-
cess without your help. You are
the greatest.
Mrs. Snyder's Third Graders
are working hard on learning
and practicing their multiplica-
tion skills. We are also getting
into measurements and graphs.
In Reading we are learning about
multiple meaning words, and
how to use dictionary definitions
to find the meaning of sentences.
In Science we are working on the
Weather. This is a fun chapter
especially now with the wacky
weather we have been having.
Our only December birthday is
Blake Everett. Happy Birthday
Blake. Students of the Week for
December have been Blake so
far. Way to Go.
In Mr. Goff's class we have
been working hard on learning
our multiplication facts and hope-
fully by the end of the year every
child will have them mastered. It
is very important to have them
memorized to make all the mul-
tiple step problems go quicker. In
social studies we learned about
Ponce De Leon and how he came

to Florida look-
ing for the foun-
tain of youth. In
writing we are
still working on
expository writ-
ings, but will
soon switch to
narratives. We are using dialogue,
figurative language and great ad-
jectives to spice up our writings.
In math we are working on chap-
ter 8, which deals with expres-
sions and equations. In reading
we are continuing to work out
of our textbook. We are reading
a good story called Roadrunner's
Dance. We are also working hard
so we can meet our Accelerated
Reader goal so we could go to
Golden Corral at the end of the
quarter. We had four students
earn this privilege first quarter and
we want at least half the class to
earn it for the second quarter. We
are also busy recording our 100
book challenge steps so we can
get to 200 steps very soon. In sci-

ence we are working on Chapter
5 which is on forces and motion.
Media Center News: The stu-
dents at Central Elementary got
to choose their third and final RIF
book for this school year. What
a lot of good books they had to
choose from! The theme for this
RIF distribution was "Give the
Gift of Reading." To celebrate
that theme the students have
been bringing their "gently" used
books to donate to Central. These
books will be used in 100 Book
Challenge Tubs, AR Tubs and
classroom libraries.
PE. News: Students in K-2
at P.E. are learning soccer skills
necessary to be competitive in an
organized league, while Grades
3-4 have been learning about
Hockey. Grades 3-4 will be host-
ing their first ever Holiday Hockey
Tournament the week of Decem-
ber 15-18th during specials times.
Parents are welcome to come
and watch.

Submitted photo
At Central Elementary School. Ms. Enfinger's class compet-
ed in the Great American Balloon Race at Central Elementary
this week.

A NICE NEIGHBORHOOD, mobile home WATERFRONT PROPERTY. Well mam- WELL BUILT CBS HOME on a beautiful
with open floor concept, breakfast area in gained DWMH Beautful backyard nicely waterfront comer lot Fenced in area on side
kitchenero floors eas to maintain office landscaped with waterfall, bridge over yard. Lg stone fireplace and a wagon wheel
kitchen, Pergo floors, easy to maintain Office stream Many mature trees Two nice sheds, chandelier. Has wall mural by Egretta Wells'81
area for your business. MLS #201321, fish cleaning station w/dock. Large pnvate Great starter home Needs a little TLC Vacant
$82,500. Call Vicki at 863-634-4106. well stocked lake MLS #201595, $89,000. lot is meld in sale of home MLS #201596,
Call Vicki at 863-6344106. $120,000. Call Vicki at 863-634-4106.
I I m i 00

THIS IS A LARGE WATERFRONT WATERFRONT Very mce well-maintained WELL-MAINTAINED MOBILE HOME
HOME. It has mature oaks and a nice boat SWMH. Ceramic tile throughout A nice family close to the rim canal and locks This package
dock. The home is a well maintained home room w/bah buit on. A boat house with an elec- comes complete with a boat. It is a nice large
tnc hoist. It has a concrete area around the boat lot with an assortment of trees JUST BRING
and ready to move in MLS #201606, house. A lot of house for the price. MLS YOUR TOOTHBRUSH!!!! MLS #201939,
$150,000. Call Vicki at 863-634-4106. #201706, 112,900. Call Vid at 863-634-4106. $107,578. Call Vicki at 863-634-4106.
a :i:: I;a

"AFFORDABLY PRICED" *
Great homestead on comer lot 4/2 CBS heme wit
ew roof in 2004 Fresh paint on the inside and out,
iloong throughout Shed and uility room Very wel
maintained home. Come take a bok.....what a great
pce. #201840 $119,s00
4"INVESIORL.TAE A LOOK"
Look at this price!! 2/1 with addition. Utility
shed, lots of trees.....some furnishings
stay Pick up this steal and rent it out for
some additional income. #200897 $39,900

"RIM CANA RESIDENCE" 1
Reduced on Rim Canal 2 Story beauty, 5 BD,
3 BA, hardwood floors & ceramic tile, vacant
lot on each side of the home also fom
sale....come and move the entire family
#94541 $375,000

wit
ca
wa
co

"NEWLY REMODELED" )
Nice 3 BR/l BA Home close to town. Some
remodeling work in the process of comple-
ton. Attractive pricing. Call today to make an
appointment to see the property, #201941
$94,900

TALLAHASSEE Florida Ag-
riculture and Consumer Services
Commissioner Charles H. Bron-
son has announced that his de-
partment is conducting a sweep
of pet stores for five weeks to en-
sure that such establishments are
complying with regulations that
protect consumers in the pur-
chase of pets.
"Pets bring a great deal of
joy to families and are often a
considerable investment," Com-
missioner Bronson said. "So it's
important to do business with a
reputable pet store or dealer who
knows and follows the law to
avoid problems from occurring
after a purchase of an animal."
Toward that end, inspectors
are visiting numerous pet stores
and dealers between now and
January 1 to make sure that a
store or dealer is complying with

Florida Statute 828.29, a law that
imposes certain obligations on
sellers and offers recourse to con-
sumers in the event that problems
arise.
Under the law, dogs and cats
must be at least eight weeks of
age when sold or offered for sale,
and each animal must be accom-
panied by a Florida health cer-
tificate signed by a licensed and
accredited veterinarian within
the past 30 days documenting
required vaccinations, tests and
treatments for internal or external
parasites.
In addition, the law requires
a dealer to provide a purchaser
with information on the buyer's
rights under the law, which in-
cludes the right to return, ex-
change or receive reimbursement
for veterinary expenses if an ani-
mal is deemed unfit by a licensed

veterinarian within 14 days of pur-
chase.
Aside from making sure that
a dealer is complying with the
law, consumers should also con-
sider suitability when purchas-
ing an animal, Bronson said. For
example, some breeds of dogs
may be less appropriate if there
are infants or young children in a
home. Likewise, consumers may
want to think twice before pur-
chasing a large animal if they live
in a small dwelling.
Commissioner Bronson of-
fered the following tips to con-
sumers who are considering or
planning to purchase a dog or
cat:
Don't buy on impulse. Re-
search the size and breed of the
animal for suitability with your
lifestyle and circumstance.
Examine the health certificate

that is required to be presented
upon sale for completeness and
compliance with the law.
If there is a problem with
your pet after purchase, contact
the seller immediately.
The department's Division of
Animal Industry assists consum-
ers, veterinarians and pet deal-
ers in educating them about the
pet law and making sure that its
provisions are followed. For ad-
ditional information or to file a
complaint, consumers can call
1-800-HELPFLA (1-800-435-7352)
or 850-410-0900.
During the last three years,
consumers who have filed com-
plaints or sought assistance from
Bronson's office for alleged viola-
tions of the law have received res-
titution totaling about $71,000.

Crop risk management waiver deadline nears

GAINESVILLE, Fla. The
Food, Conservation, and Energy
Act of 2008, enacted June 18,
created several new disaster pro-
grams under the title "Supple-
mental Agricultural Disaster As-
sistance." To be eligible for these
programs, producers must pur-
chase at least CAT level of crop
insurance for all insurable crops.
A 2009 RMPR waiver has

been established for Supplemen-
tal Revenue Assistance Payments
(SURE), TAP, and Emergency
Assistance for Livestock, Honey
Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish
(ELAP) programs. The RMPR
waiver allows producers to pay
a buy-in fee within 90 calendar
days of the date of enactment for
crops having a sales closing date
before Aug. 14, for which crop

By Angela Sachson,
horticultural agent
Extension Service Okeechobee
Office
There have been books writ-
ten about edible landscaping and
there's a reason for that. It is great
to have a pretty yard but a pretty
yard that's good eating is even
greater. And when we are expe-
riencing sticker shock in the pro-
duce aisle the idea of raising crops
seems like a good one. Here are
some reasons to integrate food
into your landscape:
To save money;
To reduce your carbon foot-
print;
To eat fresh produce and
know where it came from and
how it was grown;
To savor the exceptional
taste of fresh picked fruits, herbs
and vegetables (instead of toma-
toes ripening in the back of the
truck on the way here from far
away);
To let your landscape give
back value.
Just about any landscaping
need can be met by a food-pro-
ducing plant. If you need a large
shade tree, think pecan. Other
large trees include avocado, lo-
quat, or mango.
Smaller edible trees include
citrus, persimmon, lychee, decid-

UNIVERSITY OF

FLORIDA
IFAS EXTENSION

uous fruit and papaya. All good
looking and tasty. And if you need
a hedge or a large shrub, consider
figs, cocoplum, mulberry, custard
apple or barbados cherry. Oh,
and don't put the mulberry over
the driveway!
Medium shrubs include black-
berry, blueberry and carissa or
natal plum-already one of the
most popular shrubs around. If
you choose blueberry be sure to
select a variety for south Florida
and give it plenty of acidity. Plant-
ing in pots is a good way to do
that and blueberry pots on either
side of the door look pretty.
If you need a smaller shrub
or an attractive border pineapple
plants are nice and taste good too.
Herbs, lettuce and artichokes all
look nice by a path or driveway.
Here are some vines that will
cover your fence or your arbor
and feed you too: passion fruit,
peas, legumes, grapes and cu-
cumbers. And ground cover can
be provided by lettuce, strawber-
ry plants, greens, beautiful low
growing herbs, or colorful kale
and chard varieties.

Of course you still want beau-
tiful flowers and ferns and orna-
mental grasses--they will look
especially good interspersed with
edibles. Here are some things
to remember about landscape
plants you eat:
Edible plants need six hours
of sun each day.
Vegetables need food every
couple of weeks.
And water at least once
weekly if it doesn't rain.
Check periodically for pests
and treat if needed.
Take a little care with your ed-
ibles and they will pay you back

with beauty and food.
If you need additional informa-
tion on the edible landscaping,
please email us at: okeechobee@
ifas.ufl.edu or call us at: 863-
763-6469. In Highlands County
call 863-402-6540 and in Glades
County call 863-946-0244.
Okeechobee residents can
stop by our office at 458 Hwy 98
North in Okeechobee, and visit
our Okeechobee County Master
Gardeners from 1 to 3 p.m. on
Tuesday afternoons.

were steady on cows and bulls,
but a little lower on calves.
Don't look for much improve-
ment anytime soon.
It was brought to my attention
that our last sale was "top priced"
with a good Adams Ranch Bra-
ford Calf after I stated that blacks
and Charolais were selling best!
Thanks Buddy.
Two more sales and then a
slaughter cow sale on Tuesday,
Dec. 30.
Florida Ranch of Okeechobee
topped the calf market with a
high of $1.60.
Bob Mayworth of Sebring had
the high cow with 53.50.
See ya next week,
Todd

Main Street Mixer
Syble's Flowers and Gifts hosted this month's Main Street
Mixer on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Over 75 people were in atten-
dance and enjoyed a large assortment of refreshments,
door prizes and discounts throughout the store. Local au-
thor Jan Day displayed and signed her latest book "Kis-
simmee Pete and the Hurricane" as well as her previously
released children's books. Rafael Pacheco of Creations in
Fotografia and Jane Irwin of Photo's by Janie displayed
their artworks which were made available for purchase to
those in attendance. Okeechobee Main Street's December
Mixer will be held at the office of Costopolous and Helton,
CPAs located at 195 SW 28th Street on Thursday Dec. 11.
The yearly mega 50-50 will also be drawn at the December
mixer so mark your calendars and plan now to attend. The
public is always cordially invited to attend Okeechobee
Main Street Mixers. Syble's Flowers and Gifts Floral De-
signers Margaret Szymanosky and Linda McDonald are
with owners Terry and Maureen Burroughs and store cat,
Buddy.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS BONUS!
Add an e-subscription for just $24.00 a year!

10 Okeechobee News, Sunday, December 7, 2008

Create Your Own Ads Onliane!

EJ Three weeks FRIE.
h1 M E"WrW '_

www.newszap.com
click on classified

/ For Legal Ads:
legalads@newszap.com
/ For All Other Classified Ads:
classads@newszap.com

..fJ's Esyl
0, Eafsy E 0

All personal items under $5,000 ABSOLUTELY FREE!

Submit Your Free Classified Ad Today

at WWW.NEWSZARCOM Click on Classifieds

Published 3 weeks in all of our Florida papers: Caloosa Belle, Clewiston News, Glades
Immokalee Bulletin, Okeechobee News, and The Sun
Ads will run in the Wednesday Okeechobee News and weekly publications.

Important Information: Please
read your ad carefully the first
day it appears In case of an
inadvertent error, please noti-
fy us prior to the deadline list-
ed. We will not be responsible
for more than 1 incorrect
insertion, or for more than the
extent of the ad rendered val-
ueless by such errors.
Advertiser assumes responsi-
bility for all statements, names
and content of an ad, and
assumes responsibility for any
claims against Independent
Newspapers All advertising
is subject to publisher's
approval. The publisher
reserves the right to accept or
reject any or all copy, and to
insert above the copy the word
"advertisement". All ads
accepted are subject to credit
approval All ads must conform
to Independent Newspapers'
style and are restricted to
their proper classifications,
Some classified categories
require advance payment
These classifications are
denoted with an asterisk *
Independent Newspapers will
never knowingly accept any
advertisement that is illegal or
considered fraudulent. In all
cases of questionable value,
such as promises of guaran-
teed income from work-at-
home programs or other offers
to send money in advance for
a product or service we
advise you to check with the
Attorney General's Consumer
Fraud Line at 1-800-220-5424,
and/or The Better Business
Bureau, 800-464-6331 for pre-
vious complaints.
Auctions 105
Car Pool 110
Share a ride 115
Card of Thanks 120
In Memorial 125
Found 130
Lost 135
Give Away 140
Garage/Yard Sale 145
Personals 150
Special Notices 155
900 Numbers 160

DRIVER- Class A CDL Driver
needed for local deliveries.
Apply in person at Walpole
Feed & Supply, 2595 NW 8th
St. 763-6905
Time to clean out the
attic, basement and/or
garage? Advertise
your yard sale in the
classified and make
your clean up a breeze!

Emplymen
FulTm I'll

Love the earth Recycle
your used items by
selling them in the
classified.
How fast can your car
go? It can go even
faster when you sell it
in the classified.
Shop here first!
The classified ads

Walpole Inc and Walpole Feed
are looking for a few drivers in
the Okeechobee area that are
looking for more home time.
Minimum age 23, with proven
history of safe OTR driving (min 1 yr)

Contact Mike Lense for details on a
new and exciting driving career.
800-741-6500
or apply online
www.walpoleinc.com

Must be self starter with 5 years RN experience in
acute care facility. Certification in Infection Control
preferred. Candidates should have excellent inter-
personal communication skills and be computer
proficient in a windows operating environment.
Please visit our website
@ www.raulersonhosoital corn
to print a employment application.

-SITE SUPERVISOR-
Seminole Tribe of Florida
Site Supervisor

An advocate for the Family Ser-
vices
program and assists to respond
and
resolve any Tribal Member pro-
gram
issues. Knowledge of principles of
public administration and public
housing practices. Bachelor's
degree with at least 2-5 yrs. of
exp.
in the field or similar area. Famil-
iar
with the family services/related
programs concepts, practices and
procedures. Ability to supervised,
plan, organize and coordinate work
assignments of other therapists
and
to communicate effectively. Must
be able to travel to all STOF
reservations and work a flexible
work schedule including evenings,
weekends & holidays. Available to
be on-call rotation.

NOTICE
Independent Newspapers will
never accept any advertise-
ment that is illegal or con-
sidered fraudulent. In all
cases of questionable val-
ue, such as promises of
guaranteed income from
work-at-home programs if
It sounds too good to be
true, chances are that it is.
If you have questions or
doubts about any ad on
these pages, we advise that
before responding or send-
ing money ahead of time,
you check with the Better
Business Bureau at
772-878-2010 for previous
complaints.
Some 800 and 900 telephone
numbers may require an
extra charge, as well as
long distance toll costs. We
will do our best to alert our
reader of these charges in
the ads, but occasionally
we may not be aware of the
charges. Therefore, if you
call a number out of your
area, use caution.

ORBITREK ELIPTICAL- Asking
$300 080 and a Red Ab ex-
cersizer $15.
(863)697-1247
Need a few more bucks
to purchase something
deer? Pick up some
extra bucks when you
sell your used items in
the classifeids.

HOLIDAY RAMBLER One
bedroom/bath travel trailer.
Has gas/electric, in good
working condition. call for
details. $1700
(863)447-6304
MOTORHOME-32 Ft. 1999
Coachman-Gas Generator,
Slideout, Good Cond. 21k
miles $30,000 Can be seen
at 2347 SE 32nd St. TCI
(863)824-6799 or
561-662-6576

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE
NINETEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE
COUNTY, FLORIDA
CaseNo. 200-DR.472
IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF:
ARMANDA ARIAS,
Peitioner/Wile,
and
JULIAN GARCIA,
RespondentlHusband
NOTICE OF ACTION
TO' JULIAN GARCIA
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an ac-
tion Ifo Dissolutlon of Marriage has
been fied against you and you are re-
quired to serve a copy of your written
defense, if any, to it on ARMANDA
ARIAS, 3852 NW 36th Avenue, Okee-
chobee, Florida 34972 and ile the
original with the Clerk of the above
styled Court within thirty (30) days
from the dale of publication of the first
publication, otherwise a judgment may
be entered against you for the relief
demanded in the Petition
WITNESS may hand and the seal of said
Court on this 12th day of November,
2008.
SHARON ROBERTSON
Clerk of Circuit Court
By: Arlene Nealis
Deputy Clerk
300836 ON 11/16,23,30,12/7/08

l io i

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF
THE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR
OKEECHOBEECOUNTY
CASE NO 2008-CA-315
PROVIDENT FUNDING ASSOCIATES,
LP,
Plaintiff
vs.
HOWARD DEAN CASSELS, e. al.
Defendants
NOTICE OF ACTION
TO DONNA CASSELS, et al
Last known address'
1639 SW 16h St,
Okeechobee, FL 34974
If alive, and if dead, all parties claiming
interest by, through ude or or against
DONNA O. CASELS and a parties
having or claimingto have an right, ti-
tie or interest in the property described
herein
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for
Foreclosure of Mortgage on the follow-
Ing described property
COMMENCE AT THE S UTHEA T
CORNER OF THE SOUTHEAST ON -
QUARTER SE1/4) OF TH, SOUTH -
EAIT ONE QUARTER (SElit) OF SE -
TIO BEING ALSO THE S IUTHEA-T
CO NER OF SECTION 0, Ru
WEJT ONTHESOUTH BOL ARY
OL. DIXIE HIGHWAY A D] TANCE
15. 0; THENCE RUN NOPTH 0 O
GR ES 33'62" WEST A D TANCE
32' 00 FEET TO THE PO T OF
GlIiNG; THENCE RUN W STA -
TA CEOF 161.17 FEET A P
TH NCE RUN NORTH 0 DEGR
13 2" WEST A DISTANCE OF 18 ,
FE T TO A POINT, THENCE RUN E
16 .16 FEETTO A POINT, SAID P
BE G 18' FEET WEST OF
NORTHEAST CORNER OF
SOUTHEAST ONE-QUARTER (SE /
OF THE SOUTHEAST ONE-QUAR E
ISEl/a); THENCE RUN SOUTH 0 1
AGREES 33'52' EAST 185 00 FEE T
THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAI
LAND LYING IN AND COMPRISING
PART OF THE SOUTHEAST ON
QUARTER (SE1/4) OF THE SOUTH
EAST ONE-QUARTER (SE1/4) OF THI-
SOUTHEAST ONE-QUARTER (E1/.
OF SECTION 20, TOWNSHIP 37
SOUTH, RANGE 35 EAST, OKEECHO-
BEE COUNTY, FLORIDA.
has been filed against you and you are
required to serve a copy of your wtd-
ten defenses, f any, to it, on Nwabufo
Umunna, Attorney lor Plaintif, whose
address is 2901 Stiling Road, Suite
300, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312
within 30 days after the first ublica-
tion of this notice or and file he origi-
nal with the Clerk of this Court either
before service on Plaintil'sattorney or
immediatelythereafter;:therwiseade-
faultwl be entered againstyou forth
relief demanded in the complaint
WITNESS my hand and the seal of this
Court this 3rd day of December,
2008.
SHARON ROBERTSON
As Clerk af Ihe Court
y Arlene Nealis
Is Deputy Clerk
A copy ol this Nolice of Action, Com-
plaint and Lis Pendens were sent to
the defendants and address named
above.
NOTICE REGARDING THE AMERICANS
WITH DISABILTRS ACT OF 1990. In
accordance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act, persons needing a rea-
sonable accommodation toarhicipate
in this proceeding should contact
CourtAdministratia no later than sev-
en days prior to the proceeding at 250
NW County Club Drive, Port St Lucie,
Florida 34986,1-772-807-4370 wdhin
two working days of your receipt of
this NOTICE: IF YOU ARE HEARING
IMPAIRED CALL 1-800-995-8771, IF
YOU ARE VOICE IMPAIRED CALL
1-800-995-8770.
This is an attempt to collect a debt Any
information obtained will be used for
thai purpose.
30338 ON 12/7,14/08

M^^^

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF GRANT FUNDS
The Treasure Coast Health Council, Inc, acting as Ryan White Part 0 Lead Agency,
s making Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act Part B and Housing Opportu-
ites for People wih AIDS (HOPWA grant funds available o assist agencies in
continugorar expanding existing or develop new HIV/AIDS related programs and/or
services.The purpose of this federal allocation o dollars is to improve the quality
and availabily of care for persons living with HIV/AIDS.The service delivery areas
for these services are Palm Beach County (Area ), and Indian River, Martin, Okee.
chobee, and St. Lucie Counties (Area 15). Separate responses will be required for
Area 9 and Area 15.
Request for Proposals will be accepted from 501 c3 designated non-profit agencies.,
governmental agencies, and for profit agencies. However, non-profil agencies that
are qualified will be considered ust
Request for Proposals are being requested for the following services:
Palm Beach County (Area 91 Ran White
Treatment Modernization Ac Part B Grant Funds
Medication-Medical Case Management $576,787*
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment $72,000'
Should you have any questions regarding this Request for Proposal, contact Kim-
berly Bradley, Director of Health Programs at 561-844-4220 exi. 24
Indian River Martin Okeechobee and St Lucie Counties (rea 151
Rvan White Treatment Modernization Act Part B Grant funds
Medical/Non-Medical Case Management $912,494'
Pharmaceuticals $280,000*
HOPWA Grant Funds
Case Management $126,907*
Should you have any questions regarding this Request for Proposal, contact Pam
Neal, Treasure Coast Contract Admnistrator at 561-844-4220 ext. 26.
*Dollar amounts are approximate pending the allocation of Grant Funds from the
Florinda Department of Health,
Grant proposals will be available on the Treasur Cast Health Council websie at
wwwichalthcounil.org from December 10, through December 17, 2008. The
deadline for submiting a letter of intent is December 17, 2008
303185 ON 12/5,7/08

Submitted photo
(Top) Mega Bucks Boon, one of Buck Daniel's champion horses, works
without a bridle at a calf roping event.

(Left) Brood mares on the Daniels ranch in Okeechobee help contribute
to the champion bloodlines.

During the event, each participant
will also get a ticket for a free hot dog,
chips and a drink. Donations of food,
snacks, etc. are also greatly appreciated.
Please contact Sharon Vinson if you can
contribute in any way.
Last year there were booths of emer-
gency equipment, such as police and
sheriff's office vehicles, fire trucks, am-
bulances, a helicopter, and brush trucks.
Forestry's Smokey the Bear was also in
attendance promoting fire safety.
For this year's expo they are looking
to enhance the well rounded group of
vendors that were present last year with
additional vendors who have a booth
geared toward health and safety. Dead-
line for registration is Monday, Dec. 15,
to get involved in this free, family fun-
filled educational day.
The Blood Bank has been coordinat-
ed to attend the Expo this year as well.
While some grant funding is expected
there will be expenditures for signs, lia-

ability insurance and other expenses. The
event is set up so that vendors and pa-
trons have a completely free day. There
are no charges for attending the event or
setting up as a vendor.
Each booth is required to have give-
aways such as pens, pencils, stickers,
snacks, etc. and an item that visitors to
each booth have an opportunity to win
via drawing in addition to displaying
and/or sharing health or safety informa-
tion. Vendors/agencies must provide
their own table, chairs and other items
necessary for the display. Electricity will
not be available.
Space is still available, both under the
covered roof and outside, at this event
where they are striving to educate the
community on health and safety issues.
Donations for the event are also being
accepted. Anyone wishing to donate
monetarily or other needed items to the
expo can contact any of the following in-
dividuals. Participation is not limited to
booth participation.
There will be scheduled entertain
ment throughout the event with a differ-
ent performance every 30 minutes. Last
year's entertainment included several

competition cheerleading groups, dance
groups and other venues. If you have any
ideas for participating in the entertain-
ment area please contact organizers as
soon as possible.
If you would like to participate, simply
contact Sharon Vinson 863-462-5000 ext.
257, Angela Kelly 863-462-5781, Barbara
Godejohn 863-462-5800, or Donny Ar-
nold 863-634-6464 for a vendor/agency
registration form.
The following groups will have a
display at the Health and Safety Expo:
KidCare; AARP Driver Safety Classes;
Air-A-Medics; American Fire Sprinkler
Association; American Red Cross; Area
Agency on Aging; Babies "R" Us; Big
Lake Hospice; Brennan Eye Care; Chil-
dren Burn Foundation of Florida; Coali-
tion for Independent Living Options;
Early Learning Coalition of Indian River,
Martin and Okeechobee; Economic Op-
portunities of IRC Inc. Head Start; Eco-
Quest International; Okeechobee Health
Department (various areas); Indian River
State College (various areas); Florida
Fire Marshals and Inspections Associa-
tion; Florida Poison Information Center,
Tampa General Hospital; Girl Scouts of

By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
The Okeechobee High School
Boys Soccer Team dropped their
second straight district match, 3-0,
to Forest Hill on Thursday night.
Peter Martinez had two goals
and Anthony Valdesuso had a
shutout in net for the Falcons.
Okeechobee outshot the Falcons,
6-5, but didn't take advantage of
their opportunities.

"They were a really good
team," Brahmans Coach Lonnie
Sears said, "We had a lot of mental
mistakes. The good teams make
you pay for those mistakes."
Sears said his team had their
opportunities but couldn't capi-
talize.
He noted while his team can
play with any team physically,
they continue to make mental er
rors that cost them matches.
"Mentally we are not good

enough to play with a good team.
They made the most of their op-
portunities and we didn't," he
added.
The game was a physical de
fensive oriented match up. Forest
Hill scored their first goal when the
Okeechobee defense over com-
mitted. The second goal came
when Okeechobee couldn't clear
the ball and kicked it right to a
Forest Hill player. Those mistakes
were too much for Okeechobee

to overcome.
"Forest Hill is a really good
team. They may be the best team
we play all year. We haven't had
a really good game yet, we've
played well at times, but not for
an entire game," Sears said.
Pablo Caballero had two saves
for Okeechobee, (4-2-1). The
Brahmans travel to Martin County
on Monday. They return home on
Tuesday, Dec. 16, against Jensen
Beach.

.. .~Visi Our

OHS wrestlers lose to Cobras

By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
Fort Pierce spoiled Okeecho-
bee High School's first wrestling
match of the year with a 54-20
victory at the Okeechobee High
School Brahman gym Wednes-
day night.Fort Pierce, the defend-
ing district champions, won 10 of
the 14 matches.
Okeechobee continued to
get fine performances from state
qualifiers Tyler Hayes and Donny
Bush. Hayes won his 160 pound
match when he pinned Ezekiel

Madellin, Saul Garcia, and Zac
Griffith.
The wrestling team travels to
compete in the Shark Invitational
at Sebastian River High School on
Saturday. The team hosts the Big
Lake Classic in Okeechobee on
Saturday, Dec. 13.
Coach Bruce Jahner said
Okeechobee didn't wrestle to
their ability, but he saw a silver
lining in the loss. "It's early in the
season. This gives us time to fix
our mistakes and improve," he
commented.

Okeechobee News/Charles Murphy
David Sanchez tangles with a Cobra during the JV wrestling match.